Eastern Arizona Counties To Consider Rural School Funding

The next meeting of the Eastern Arizona Counties Resource Advisory Committee is scheduled for Sept. 11, at 1 p.m. at the Pinetop Regional Office of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

The committee will consider funding proposals under the authority of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000.

The intent of grant awards is to improve watershed conditions and forest health in the national forests, in addition to improving infrastructure such as roads and trails.

Numerous grants have been awarded since 2001, including those that have thinned the forests of excess vegetation, rehabilitated portions of the burned area within the Rodeo/Chediski Fire, improved road surfacing, maintained trails, reduced fire risk to communities, and improved wildlife habitat.

The law authorizing this grant program is set to expire on Sept. 30. Congress will be considering whether or not to renew the law.